Myanmar military extends state of emergency, delays election

The extension will result in a delay of the promised general election, which was originally scheduled to be held in August of this year.

The decision to extend the state of emergency and delay the election was made during a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council, the country's highest decision-making body. Acting President Myint Swe, who chairs the council, officially announced the decision after junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing expressed concerns about the ongoing conflicts and security challenges in the nation.

Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said that the security challenges have made it difficult for the military to conduct elections and facilitate the return to civilian rule. He also said that the military needs more time to consolidate its power and to address the country's political and economic problems.

The extension of the state of emergency and the delay of the election are likely to be met with disappointment by many in Myanmar, who had hoped for a return to civilian rule. However, the military has shown no signs of relinquishing power, and it is unclear when or if elections will be held in the country. (ILKHA)